The previous post merits a sequel, packed with as much piss and vinegar as the original. Like many final installments, Part II packs little punch. Much to my relief there is nothing eventful to report.

There was no crying, no charred remains destined for the dinner table, no broken plates, and arguments …There was a telephone discussion the evening before Mister Hombre returned. We talked about preparations, traffic, and last minute errands. The Mister sheepishly apologized. I asked if things would be handled differently next time. After he assured me it would be, I accepted his apology and dropped the matter.

The hardest part in accepting an apology is not reliving the moment that brought you to the confrontation. Accepting remorse and walking away from the moment requires utter forgiveness or complete restraint. I’ll leave it up to you to decide which coping mechanism should go to my credit.

Next year is supposed to different. If it isn’t, you’ll hear from me.

A few tidbits from the holiday celebrations:

  • I spent more time than I care to in the kitchen. I was not alone. The Mister assisted.
  • Baby Girl picked up the One Eyes and delivered them to our house. She was half an hour late. She is rarely on time. To her credit, she was late enough to allow me enough time to mix a pitcher of mojitos which I stashed in the laundry room.
  • The One Eyes seemed happy about visiting. They were in good spirits and did not complain as much as they usually do. Sadly, they were not as alert or as sharp as they are on their good days.
  • Mister Hombre brought trays of sweets to the One Eyes before dinner. For all practical purposes, they were in sugar comas before the evenings pork loin was removed from the grill.
  • We met with my family the day following Christmas. The Mister commented spending time with my family was more fun than spending time with his. I responded, spending time with my family was much like attending a fraternity party without the alcohol. It’s an unrefined, rambunctious affair.
  • As of December 26th, I own four obnoxious Christmas mugs, three pounds of french roast coffee, a snazzy wristwatch, and fifty rubber ducks (yes, really)

I hope the holidays have been kind to you and yours, and may peace keep you company throughout the new year.

To see this year’s Christmas card, click here